Strengthening of glass beams with steel reinforced polymer (SRP)

The work describes an experimental analysis for studying the flexural strengthening of beams made from glass and composite material consisting of steel cords impregnated with polymeric resins (SRP). Beams were prepared consisting of glass sheets set vertically and reinforced on the intrados with SRP and subjected to four-point bending tests. The use of SRP produced beneficial effects in the elastic phase with an increase of the first cracking load and provided residual strength in the post-failure phase allowing new equilibrium configurations after the first cracking. The results obtained were satisfying as regards both the increase in strength and stiffness in the elastic phase and in residual strength in the post-failure phase. An analytical modeling based on the load-deformation characteristics was performed to obtain more in-depth knowledge on the behavior of the structural elements tested.